Vatican unveils anime-themed mascot for Holy Year 2025

The Vatican has unveiled a pop culture-inspired mascot for Holy Year 2025. 

The mascot named Luce (which means light), which was designed by Italian artist Simone Legno, was unveiled by Pro-prefect of the Vatican's Dicastery for Evangelization Archbishop Salvatore Rino Fisichella during a press conference held on Oct. 28, 2024.

The mascot was intended for the younger audiences and to guide visitors though the holy year, the report added.

Luce wears a yellow sailor’s raincoat, which symbolizes the colors of the flag of Holy See and dirty boots, representing humility and a long, ardous journey of pilgrims. 

The missionary cross around her neck represent a life filled with deep prayer while the bordone or walking stick evokes the arduous journey of the pilgrim as well as the pilgrimage of life. Meanwhile, the light in her eyes symbolizes the vision of the Light of God and the journey towards it. 

“I am extremely grateful to the Dicastery for Evangelization for opening its doors to my art. I grew up in my hometown Rome in a Catholic family, where I learned the principles of a faith grounded in generosity and respect for others,” said Legno on Facebook. 

“In my work, I am fortunate to engage with the many cultures of the world, constantly searching for a contemporary and universal language that I strive to bring into my compositions. The Jubilee is undoubtedly a unique opportunity for encounter and dialogue for millions of people, including many young people,” he added. 

Luce will debut at the Lucca Comics and Games — Italy’s celebrated convention for all things comics, video games, and fantasy — where the Vatican’s Dicastery for Evangelization will host a space dedicated to “Luce and Friends”. — BAP, GMA Integrated News